ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, consolidated team previews

The seventh edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup will commence on February 19. As has been the case since 2012, this edition will include 10 teams. While the top eight teams – Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and West Indies – qualified directly, Bangladesh and Thailand made it after securing the top two spots in the Qualifier.

The teams have been split into two groups. The top two teams from each group will proceed to the semi-finals, which will be followed by the final. The groups are:

Group A: Australia, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Group B: England, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand, West Indies

Ahead of the tournament, here is how the teams stack up:

Australia Women (captain: Meg Lanning)

Australia have made it to the T20 World Cup every single time in the last five editions, winning four of them. They are hosting the tournament for the first time, and they will want to make the occasion special. They started the month well, winning the Tri-Nation tournament, also involving England and India.

Most of their cricketers had reasonable outings in the WBBL as well. They boast of the most balanced side of the tournament, what with several of their cricketers contributing in more than one discipline.

Best position: Champion (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018)
Prediction: Finalist, probably champion

Bangladesh Women (captain: Salma Khatun)

Bangladesh are yet to leave an impact in the biggest stage. They also have an ordinary record against the major teams, whom they have never beaten outside Asia. However, they looked invincible in the Qualifiers in Scotland, and will do their best to return with at least one win.

Best position: First round (2014 – 2018)
Prediction: Lose all matches, finish last in group

England Women (captain: Heather Knight)

England are pitted in the easier of the two groups, and should cruise through to the semi-finals, where they will meet one of India and New Zealand. It will not be easy, but they should make it to the final, given their firepower up the order, expect them to pile up big scores every time, while the bowlers have done well over the past year.

Best position: Champion (2009)
Prediction: Reach final

India Women (captain: Harmanpreet Kaur)

Despite the obvious chinks in their line-up, India’s performance in the Tri-Nation surprised many. They are placed in the “Group of Death” alongside Australia and New Zealand, and will need to beat one or both to make it to the top four. Unlike most other sides, they may field three, even four spinners.

Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
Best position: Semi-finals (2009, 2010, 2018)
Prediction: Reach semi-final if they beat New Zealand

New Zealand Women (captain: Sophie Devine)

Their many big hitters and world-class all-rounders make the New Zealand batting line-up truly formidable. A win against India or Australia should see them through to the top four, and once a side is there, any team can beat any other in this format.

Captain: Sophie Devine
Best position: Runners-up (2009, 2010)
Prediction: Reach semi-final if they beat India

Pakistan Women (captain: Bismah Maroof)

To reach the semi-final, Pakistan have to beat both South Africa and West Indies, both of whom they have beaten last year (though they lost both series). If they do that, it will be a first in their history, which will be a remarkable achievement in Sana Mir’s absence.

Best position: First round (2009 – 2018)
Prediction: Win one match, finish fourth in group

South Africa Women (captain: Dane van Niekerk)

Along with England, South Africa are probably favourites from Group B to reach the semi-finals. A win against West Indies should see them through, which is a likely occurrence due to the return of Dane van Niekerk and Chloe Tryon just ahead of the tournament.

Best position: Semi-finals (2014)
Prediction: Reach semi-final if they beat West Indies

Sri Lanka Women (captain: Chamari Athapaththu)

Sri Lanka have never made it to the top four. This edition is unlikely to be an exception either, for they have been grouped with Australia, India, and New Zealand. However, they started the tour in remarkable fashion, thrashing England by 10 wickets in a warm-up match.

Best position: First round (2009 – 2018)
Prediction: Win one match, finish fourth in group

Thailand Women (captain: Sornnarin Tippoch)

Thailand’s 21 wins were the most by any side in 2019, but not a single one of their wins came against a major side. While they have put up several spirited shows, they are likely to lose all four matches – provided there is no rain.

Best position: N/A (maiden appearance)
Prediction: Lose all matches, finish last in group

West Indies Women (captain: Stafanie Taylor)

Deandra Dottin’s return might have boosted West Indies, but they are still likely to lose against England and Sri Lanka. West Indies Women have not scaled the heights of the 2016 edition – that they won – though they did put up a fight in the warm-up match against India here.

Best position: Champion (2016)
Prediction: Reach semi-final if they beat South Africa

Here is how the teams have performed in the history of the tournament.

Teams	M	W	T	L	W/L
Australia Women	32	24	1	7	3.429
England Women	29	21	1	7	3.000
New Zealand Women	28	20	–	8	2.500
West Indies Women	27	17	–	10	1.700
India Women	26	13	–	13	1.000
South Africa Women	23	8	–	15	0.533
Sri Lanka Women	23	7	–	16	0.438
Pakistan Women	24	6	–	18	0.333
Bangladesh Women	13	2	–	11	0.182
Thailand Women	–	–	–	–	–